US DATA: Challenger reports 37,151 planned layoffs in Sept, up slightly
from 34,768 in Aug, but down sharply from 66,404 in Sept 2009. 3Q total
layoffs 113,595, lowest since 2Q 2000. Sept layoffs led by the
government sector. Challenger said that lower job cuts don’t necessarily
equal increased hiring, but noted that rising sales in the future should
stimulate hiring at some point. Hiring plans for retail at a huge
114,000 in September, well above a year ago. See MNI main wire.